M. LACROSSE

Men's Lacrosse Adds 12 Newcomers to 2012-2013 Roster

October 3, 2012

The Pfeiffer University Men’s Lacrosse program welcomes 12 new additions to the 2012-2013 squad. This year’s incoming group hails from seven different states and includes a pair of Canadians. The group of a dozen guys joins a Falcon team who set a school-record last season for 12 wins in a season.

“It is with great pleasure we welcome this year’s incoming class. Three years ago my staff and I welcomed our first recruiting class and believe that this group is undoubtedly our best to date. This talented incoming group reflects the effort of both the coaches and the team alike, and is a true testament to the direction we are moving with the program. The combination of experienced returners and talented newcomers will provide a challenging and focused team atmosphere. Both the coaches and returning players are excited to welcome these student athletes and look forward to the 2012/13 season.”- PfeifferCoaching Staff

#1 Matthew Michaeli Fr. Midfield 6’1 - 180Hometown: Draper, UT High School: Alta HighA unique well rounded player from an unconventional lacrosse area, Matthew has the ability and opportunity to make an impact immediately at the midfield position. Combining All State Lacrosse honors with honor roll achievements at Alta HS, Matthew will be pushing his team and classmates in the right direction. After nine years of playing experience, Matthew’s senior season was culminated with an impressive 33 goals and 26 assists; and the honor of being named first team all-state and first team all-conference.

#4 Spencer Allen Jr. Midfield 6’2 - 185Hometown: St. Catharine’s, ON High School: Holy Cross Secondary SchoolTransferring from Genesee Community College in upstate New York, Spencer will be an immediate impact player for the Falcons this year. Coming off a 2012 season where he lead JUCO nationally in assists and capped off his career at GCC with 100 plus points, Spencer, a JUCO All-American, has the ability to push for time and compete well in Conference Carolinas and division II. A native of Canada, his background in indoor lacrosse and playing experience will mesh well with fellow Canadians on the offensive side of the ball.

#6 Jordan Michele Fr. Midfield 5’8 - 165Hometown: East Rochester, NY High School: East RochesterJordan comes to Pfeiffer from East Rochester, New York and brings with him a wealth of experience. Having played for over seven years at a variety of levels, Jordan will look to make his mark as a Falcon this season. A standout at East Rochester, Jordan capped off his senior campaign being named team MVP and a team captain.

#13 Joe Capstaff Fr. Goalie 6’0 - 185 Hometown: Leonard Town, MD High School: St. Mary's RykenA product of St. Mary’s Ryken in Maryland, Joe comes to Pfeiffer with a strong lacrosse background. After attending USF in Florida last year, Joe decided to make his way back to the lacrosse playing field. A driven student, Joe also managed to achieve athletic success earning first team all-county and all-conference honorable mention in his senior season at St. Mary’s. Joe brings athleticism to the goaltending unit, and will work closely with Coach Conlon and returning two time first team all-conference goaltender Hayden Kirk.

#14 Tom Valandra Grad. Defense 5’10 – 185Hometown: Minneapolis, MNHigh School: Minneapolis SoutheastTom, another transfer from Division I Presbyterian, will be completing his final year of eligibility at Pfeiffer while perusing his master’s degree. An experienced college player, Tom will push the group and provide the guidance and leadership needed to achieve our goals. A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Tom has proven to have superior lacrosse IQ and ability to match.

#17 Sean Sullivan Fr. Midfield 5’9 - 160Hometown: Littleton, CO High School: Heritage HSAnother significant role player, Sean will take on the task of filling a void left from last season’s graduation at the defensive midfield position. A keen and intelligent player, Sean has proven his worth on and off the field. In his senior campaign, Sean racked up 41 points and earned first team all-south Suburban Conference. Sean also managed to gain academic recognition his senior year being awarded the Heritage HS Student Government award.

#22 Khalid Stukes Fr. Midfield F/O 5’5 - 220Hometown: Alexandria, VA High School: Thomas A. EdisonKhalid brings well needed skill and work ethic to the ever important face off position this season. While at Edison HS, Khalid worked his way to an impressive Face off percentage of 92% and led his team in ground balls in his senior season. Being awarded the most improved player his senior year; Khalid looks to continue improving while challenging his teammates and opponents at the face off X.

#28 Derek Thomas Fr. Midfield 6’1 - 170Hometown: Georgetown, ONTARIO High School: Hill Academy Derek brings depth, athleticism, and skill to the midfield. One of two incoming Canadians, Derek, has the benefit of being a product of the Canadian box lacrosse environment. With the guidance of Coach Brodie Merrill while at the Hill Academy, Derek has become a talented field player with a great deal of potential. In three years at the Hill Academy, Derek recorded 40 goals and 80 assists.

#30 Blake Studstill Grad. Defense 6’1 – 210Hometown: Orlando, Fl. High School: Timber CreekBlake transfers to Pfeiffer after graduating from Presbyterian College. Completing his senior year after the program was discontinued at Presbyterian; Blake decided to pursue graduate studies while taking advantage of his remaining eligibility. While at Presbyterian, Blake was a mainstay on defense and brings a wealth of experience and leadership to Pfeiffer.

#31 Terry McKinney Fr. Midfield 5’8 - 155Hometown: Gaithersburg, MD High School: Quince OrchardA relative newcomer to the game, Terry has brought welcomed athleticism and work ethic to the program. With a drive to compete and the skill set needed, Terry will undoubtedly make strides with the guidance of the coaches and teammates this season. Relocating to the Charlotte area this past year, Terry has benefited from diverse lacrosse community in Charlotte and played both indoor and outdoor lacrosse with the Charlotte Lacrosse Club.

#42 Matt Palmer Fr. Attack/Midfield 6’0 - 170Hometown: Suwanee, GA High School: North GwinnettComing off a strong senior campaign at North Gwinnett HS in Georgia, Matt looks to continue his success at Pfeiffer. Having played four years of lacrosse at Gwinnett and spending summers traveling with the Copperheads club team, Matt will add depth and competition to the midfield or attack.

#50 Kevin Kerrick Fr. Defense 5’10 - 180 Hometown: Penn Yan, NY High School: Penn YanKevin joins the Pfeiffer men’s lacrosse program after a stellar career at Upstate New York’s, Penn Yan Academy. A well rounded athlete, Kevin lettered in Football, Wrestling, and lacrosse. During his high school career, Kevin enjoyed success at the sectional, upstate, state level, and national recognition by being ranked in the top 25 teams nationally. With excellent fundamentals, knowledge, and skill, Kevin will be a valued asset to the program.